Development of a taxonomy of human performance: A review of classificatory systems relating to tasks and performance.

Abstract : In recent years there has been a crescive interest in the science of taxonomy in general, and in behavioral classifications in particular. In the report, past efforts are reviewed in an attempt to assess the 'state-of-the-art' and to provide procedural guidelines for future taxonomic efforts. Approaches to and dilemmas encountered in attempting to develop systems of classification are discussed. Special consideration is given to those systems oriented toward the organization and understanding of information about human task performance. Within this context the taxonomic issues of purpose, descriptive bases, and methodological approaches are discussed in terms of available alternatives. The report leads to the conclusion that behavioral taxonomy is still in its infancy and that truly powerful systems of classification have yet to be developed. The paper suggests how substantive progress may be made by attempting development of a task classification system based upon numerical taxonomic procedures.